Winifred Burrell, lay reader.

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

Winifred Burrell has served in various capacities at Christ Church in Christiana, Manchester. She has served as pastor's warden, treasurer, as well as a member of the mothers' union and has been a lay reader for over 30 years. The practising Anglican has also been a part-time musician who plays her church's organ from time to time.

Mrs Burrell was confirmed in the Anglican Church from the tender age of 13. She pointed out that she was able to be confirmed at that age because her parents were Anglicans, her teachers at elementary school were Anglicans and she grew up in the Anglican Church Sunday school.

She confessed that she likes being a Christian because as far as she is concerned, the Christian way of living encourages her to give.

"I know of the good that we can get when we are Christians. It is a hard road being a Christian because you are tempted so often, especially during this season of Lent where Satan is very rampant," explained Burrell.

The churchwoman said it is important that everyone who profess to be Christians exercise acts of kindness. She noted that persons should be willing to give once the Spirit leads them to do so, as giving is a form of worship.

Burrell noted that she loves the work she has had to be doing for Christ, but was quick to point out that despite what some persons may think, the work for Christ is not easy.

"You have obstacles there. I had it quite easy doing the work because I get along well with people. I do not have a problem with people," said Burrell.

Burrell, now 82, has been able to take the work of the Lord far and wide. She has worked alongside congregations at St Paul's Anglican Church in Spaldings, Clarendon, St Jude's at Battersea in St Ann, as well as at the Anglican churches at Colleyville in Manchester, Aenon Town in Clarendon and the churches in the Christiana cure.

The lay preacher was at no pains to tell that preaching is something she likes doing for God. She stressed that she likes to share the word of God with all those who will listen. Asked about her opinion about women sharing the pulpit, Burrell had no difficulty responding.

"If women were not in the pulpit, the pulpit would be down now because a lot of women have taken over. I got the call to become a priest but I told the Lord that I am afraid of Kingston, and so I did not go any further than just being a lay reader.

Feedback: pehenrya@hotmail.com